Minister Catherine Martin TD and Fáilte Ireland recently announced that €1.7 million worth of enhancement work will soon be completed on 10 Dublin visitor attractions which will create new immersive experiences that bring to life stories that have shaped Ireland’s history and culture. The investment was made through Fáilte Ireland’s Dublin Surprising Stories Scheme and focuses on bringing the story of Dublin to life using interactive technology, audio visual and improved foreign language provision. These enhancements will make the 10 attractions more accessible to international visitors as Dublin looks to once again compete as a leading global visitor destination post-Covid while also appealing to domestic victors and families over the winter months.
Recipients of the funding include Clondalkin Round Tower which were awarded €51,000. Clondalkin Round Tower have brought stories about monastic life and the Round Towers of Ireland. The project includes multi-lingual audio tours and improve interpretation in the garden by introducing signage to inform visitors what plants and herbs were used within monastic life. A heated outdoor area will offer a multipurpose space.
Minister for Tourism, Catherine Martin TD said: “Compelling storytelling lies at the heart of fantastic tourism attractions and this investment has empowered these 10 attractions to convert the stories of Dublin and its people into unforgettable tourist attractions. We know that the modern tourist looks for a more interactive and accessible experience, and these enhancements have created new ways for visitors to enjoy the history, heritage and culture of Dublin.”
Speaking at the announcement in Dublinia, Liz Halpin, Head of Dublin at Fáilte Ireland said: “Attractions are key to stimulating demand, creating and sustaining jobs, and delivering an economic return both locally and nationally. Pre-Covid, 68% of all overseas tourists visited attractions of historic or cultural interest therefore improved foreign language provision across attractions is a key selling point as we look to 2022. By bringing Dublin’s stories, from its Georgian past to its sporting culture to life, the Dublin Surprising Stories scheme will ensure Dublin’s historic and cultural attractions remain on the must-visit list for domestic and international visitors.”
John Healy, Chairman, Dublinia said: “Over the years Dublinia has reinvested in its visitor experience seeking always to achieve world class quality. Our aim is to ensure our visitor connects with the stories of Viking and Medieval Dublin and leaves with an enjoyable and memorable visit. We are grateful for the support of Failte Ireland’s Surprising Stories funding as it has helped us to undertake a significant investment. We have added to our people stories, increased our language facilities and created more interactivity. We have relocated the artefacts on loan to us from the National Museum of Ireland and placed them in context. All of this work means we are more than ready and looking forward with great hope and expectations to the 2022 season ahead.
